Marriott's Plans to Issue Stock
Could Beef Up Family Control

Plans by Marriott International Inc. to issue a new class of stock and beef up its anti-takeover defenses could strengthen the Marriott family's control over the company.

The proposals are contained in a proxy statement issued by the company in connection with its decision to split itself into a hotel company and a management-services company, which would merge with France's Sodexho Alliance SA.